Welcome back to the Guardians Beat newsletter. My name is Tim Stebbins, and 2025 was my first season covering Cleveland for MLB.com. |
CLEVELAND -- The offseason is in full swing, and the Hot Stove could kick up to a simmer next week. The annual Winter Meetings are set for Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 8-10, in Orlando, Fla., which historically have ignited a flurry of activity on the trade and free agent markets.
The Guardians have made a few roster moves so far this winter, from re-signing catcher Austin Hedges in October to non-tendering Will Brennan, Sam Hentges and Nic Enright last month. What could be in store in Orlando?
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the Guardians’ situation heading into the Meetings. Club needs Cleveland’s top need is bolstering an offense that struggled for extended stretches last season. Adding a proven veteran to the outfield mix is one avenue that would make a ton of sense, and a right-handed hitter could be an ideal fit. Cleveland center fielders had a .574 OPS last season, and its right fielders had a .605 OPS. The outfield picture is heavy on lefties, from youngsters Chase DeLauter, George Valera and C.J. Kayfus to All-Star and four-time Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan.
The bullpen will also be in focus this winter. Along with the uncertainty of Emmanuel Clase’s situation, three relievers from the 2025 season are now free agents in Kolby Allard, Jakob Junis and Enright. |
Potential trade candidates Teams could inquire on Kwan, who popped up on the rumor mill before the Trade Deadline this summer. With two years of club control remaining, his trade value may never be higher than it is now. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Guardians have to move him, given they need to improve their offensive production this winter and Kwan is a key piece as their leadoff man. Any potential trade would have to make the lineup better now, not later. Elsewhere, the Guardians ended last season with a six-man rotation of Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick and Joey Cantillo. A team can never have enough starting pitching depth, but Cleveland at least has some available to tap into, should a deal that can address other needs make sense. Prospects to know DeLauter (ranked as Cleveland’s No. 2 prospect, No. 58 overall by MLB Pipeline) joined exclusive company in the AL Wild Card Series by becoming only the sixth player to make his MLB debut in the postseason. The Guardians hope that’s just a precursor to him making a larger impact in 2026, when he’ll be in the mix for their Opening Day roster. DeLauter had multiple injury setbacks in the Minors before his MLB debut, but he has long had tremendous potential as a power-hitting lefty who can play center or the corner outfield. Beyond DeLauter, all eyes will be on second baseman Travis Bazzana (No. 1 prospect, No. 17 overall) next season. The 2024 No. 1 overall Draft pick was promoted to Triple-A Columbus on Aug. 11. He was on a tear in September (four homers, 1.163 OPS over nine games) before his season ended early due to left flank soreness. It seems unlikely he will reach Cleveland right out of Spring Training, but an early summer promotion feels well within reach. |
Rule 5 Draft There is some recent precedent to the Guardians making a pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, so it would not be surprising if they did so this year. Cleveland landed Trevor Stephan from the Yankees in 2020 and third baseman Deyvison De Los Santos from the D-backs in ‘23. The Guardians added four prospects to their 40-man roster last month to protect them from the Rule 5: infielder Angel Genao (No. 3 prospect, No. 59 overall), right-handers Yorman Gómez and Austin Peterson and outfielder Kahlil Watson. Those left unprotected include outfielder Wuilfredo Antunez, infielder Juan Benjamin and right-hander Trenton Denholm, each of whom represented Cleveland in the Arizona Fall League this year. Burning question How will the Guardians improve their offense?
This is the Guardians’ biggest question this offseason. They ranked 28th in MLB in runs per game (3.97) in 2025, ahead of only the Rockies and Pirates, even with another stellar campaign by José Ramírez. Young players taking a step forward will help improve the production next season. But whether it’s through trade or free agency, the Guardians should still augment the group with external acquisitions. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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• At a time of year when reflection and gratitude are major themes, Valera’s story continues to resonate. Read more >> • The free agent market gained dozens of new faces after the Nov. 21 non-tender deadline. Could the Guardians find any help from that batch of players? We took a look at potential fits. Read more >>
• I enjoyed this story from MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince, who fired up the trade machine for seven hypothetical deals that (while unlikely) would be a ton of fun. Read more >>
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